LC doctor convicted of sexually abusing victim learns punishment
A judge Wednesday sentenced disgraced Las Cruces Doctor Robert Woody to 364 days in prison and fined the doctor $1,000.
Earlier this year, a jury convicted Woody on a single count of criminal sexual contact. Several male patients accused the doctor of sexual harassment and abuse.
“I, for one, will never forget that day in June 2015 because on that day I was stripped and robbed of my joy, my smile, my feelings and my emotions,” the male witness said. “He ( Dr. Woody) asked me inappropriate questions, touched me inappropriately not thinking about the long term effect. He was being selfish to say the least.”
“Dr. Woody used his position of authority as a way to sexually abuse me not for my pleasure, with my permission or consent,” an accuser said.
The 65-year-old had been licensed to practice medicine in New Mexico since 1995. Woody’s practice has since closed.
In court Wednesday, an emotional Woody teared up and had trouble speaking. He told the judge he ent to Iran after the Gulf War and helped set up hospital for refugees. He also taught medical students in Damascus for 16 months and returned to El Paso in 1993.
Woody told the judge he would see the victim again tomorrow if the victim needed medical attention. The defense called several character witnesses to the stand and all told the judge they do not consider Woody a threat to the community.
